Using a split-belt treadmill to improve walking in patients with gait issues
Efficacy of Split Gait in the Treatment of Dynamic Asymmetries in Subjects With Pathologic Claudication
This study is testing if walking on a special treadmill that moves each side at different speeds can help people with gait problems, like those from multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, walk better and more evenly.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istituto Auxologico Italiano Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milan, MI) |
| Trial ID | NCT04635436 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the efficacy of walking on a split-belt treadmill, where each belt operates at different speeds, to treat dynamic asymmetries in patients with various conditions such as multiple sclerosis, post-stroke hemiparesis, and Parkinson's disease. The approach aims to mimic limping and assess the flexibility of neural control of gait, potentially serving as a therapeutic exercise for individuals with unilateral motor impairments. Participants will be evaluated for their ability to walk without support and will engage in this innovative rehabilitation technique to improve their walking symmetry.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 70 with unilateral motor impairments due to conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, or amputation.
Not a fit: Patients with systemic neurologic pathologies or those who have undergone certain orthopedic surgeries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance walking ability and quality of life for patients with gait asymmetries.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of using split-belt treadmills is innovative, there is limited existing research specifically validating its efficacy for these conditions, making this approach relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age between 18 and 70 years old; * ability to walk for at least 20 meters without support; * ability to wittingly sign the informed consent form; * ability to understand the instructions and to complete the motor task; * visual acuity \> 10/20 on the worse side, with optical correction; * unilateral motor impairments of one lower limb as a consequence of various pathologic conditions, such as (not exhausting list): post-stroke hemiparesis, Parkinson's disease with lateral asymmetry in the motor symptoms, multiple sclerosis with lateral asymmetry in the motor symptoms, unilateral amputation with prosthetic correction, surgical orthopedic interventions, unilateral lesions of peripheral nerves. Exclusion Criteria: * systemic neurologic pathologies; * orthopedic surgical interventions, other than those determining the inclusion criteria; * symptomatic pathologies of rachis; * other sensory or neurological pathologies with impact on balance and gait; * pregnancy.
Where this trial is running
Milan, MI
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano — Milan, Mi, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Luigi Tesio, MD, Full professor — Istituto Auxologico Italiano
- Study coordinator: Luigi Tesio, MD, Full Professor
- Email: l.tesio@auxologico.it
- Phone: +39 02 58218151
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.